Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Honored with Memorial Services
The nation mourned as the remains of former first lady Rosalynn Carter made their final journey to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta on Monday. The three days of memorials for the Georgia native and global humanitarian began after she passed away on November 19 at the age of 96.
Rosalynn Carter’s motorcade arrived in Atlanta after brief ceremonies in the Carters’ native Sumter County in south Georgia. The motorcade traveled through downtown Americus, making a stop at Georgia Southwestern State University, where a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Science Complex took place. From there, the motorcade began its journey to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, where hundreds of people gathered to watch it pass by.
The library was open from 6 to 10 p.m. to allow the public to pay their respects during the three-day tribute. Two funerals, one in Atlanta and one in Plains, are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, and are for invited guests only.
Former President Jimmy Carter confirmed he would be in attendance at the private event being held at the Glenn Memorial Methodist Church at Emory University on Tuesday afternoon.
Reed Elliotte, a young visitor paying his respects, shared his sorrow at Mrs. Carter’s passing, stating, “It took me a while to compose myself after finding out. It took two to three days to stop crying, and just think about the happy times we got to spend with them.”
The Carter family held a private memorial service at The Carter Center on Monday, with heartfelt tributes from Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander and former Carter Center CEO John Hardman. Former President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, longtime friends of the Carters, are expected to attend the Atlanta service.
The schedule of events, created in collaboration with the former first couple, reflects Rosalynn Carter’s advocacy for better mental health treatment and caregiving, her role as Jimmy Carter’s closest adviser, and her status as the matriarch of the Plains and Maranatha Baptist Church.
Rosalynn Carter requested that donations be made to the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in lieu of flowers.
As the nation prepares to say their final goodbyes to Rosalynn Carter, the impact of her life’s work will continue to be felt around the world for years to come.